What is it like in a coal mine? Interesting, a little scary, and for sure dirty. Consol Energy took us on a tour of the Enlow Fork Mine in Southwestern, Pennsylvania. Dave Hudson, who heads up Pennsylvania mining operations for Consol, asked me if being in the mine was what I expected. Honestly, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I knew that coal miners no longer go into the mine with shovels and pick axes, but that was the picture I had in my head.

We took a type of trolley car into the mine. That part of it reminded me of an amusement park ride. The tunnels were wide, and in some parts dark, except for the lights from the car and our hard hats. The site where the coal is being dug out (by machines, not axes) was lit, but loud and dirty. A steady stream of mist comes from the mine to keep the dust down.

I've been in a lot of factories, but nothing really compares. I've done safety goggles and hard hats before. But this was the first time I carried an oxygen supply. As an observer, I always thought the safety precautions were just that, precautions. But in the mine, I felt like the safety gear was essential just to get around without getting hurt (with the blessed exception of the oxygen).

I admire the people who work in the mine. The miners I spoke with seemed to enjoy their work and clearly made a choice to be there. I'm glad they did. Their work is an essential part of our economy.

To learn more about the coal industry, check out the home page for my series: Energy Options - Coal